Swim specialist brand Zoggs launched its range of wetsuits in January. With a number of established brands already in place in the market, Zoggs is aiming to differentiate the Zoggs wetsuit range with a focus on ‘total flexibility to reduce fatigue and improve performance.’
The Zoggs wetsuit range features the company’s Flex Technology concept which aims to give ‘unrivalled comfort and fit that Zoggs already provide in [its] unparalleled range of Predator Flex goggles.’
The new Zoggs range consists of three wetsuits (The FX1, FX2 and FX3) for men, in sizes XS, S, M, ML, L, XL and for women, in sizes XS, S, M, L, XL.
FX1 – ‘Unparalleled Flexibility’ for men (black/yellow) and women (black/pink) – RRP £330
Designed for the regular and accomplished swimmer the FX1 delivers ‘unrivalled flexibility’. The combination of the Yamamoto 39 cell neoprene with Super Composite Skin reduces friction for a high level of drag resistance and buoyancy right where it is needed.
According to Zoggs, the flexibility comes from the Ultra Flex panel in the upper body with a super stretch lining into the arms, giving maximum freedom of movement in the arms and shoulders.
FX2 – ‘Quality, Comfort and Style’ for men (black/orange) and women (black/berry) – RRP £220
The FX2 is designed and developed for the intermediate swimmer looking for a great all-round wetsuit. Zoggs notes that the stand-out feature of this suit is the Isolator Neck Gasket – a multi directional panel around the collar to aid flexibility and rotation in the shoulders and neck. The 1.5mm gasket panel also makes for a speedy transition.
FX3 – ‘Superb Performance’ for men (black/green) and women (black/cyan) – RRP £165
Designed for the swimmer who is new to or progressing in triathlon or open water swimming, the focus on the FX3 suit is on all-round buoyancy, combined with 1.5mm neoprene in the arms for flexibility.
Our reviewer Simon, put the FX3 through its paces with the aim of seeing if the suit would suit his upcoming race – the Cotswold113 middle distance triathlon this June.
Simon said, “I have used the Zoggs FX3 wetsuit three times and covered approximately 6K in the water. It is very comfortable to wear and allows plenty of movement around the shoulder area where I find that I am working my hardest. The suit is very easy to put on as long as you ensure you pull the lower part of the suit over your hip bones and into the groin area.”
He continued, “On my first outing I did suffer a bit with rubbing around the back of my neck, but on the other two occasions I put more lubricant around this area and had no problems.”
“The thickness of the suit definitely aids with buoyancy and really helps with technique, particularly for those new to open water swimming. It gives a nice feel that you are higher in the water. The suit also allows you to kick freely; and working in conjunction with your upper body and the buoyancy factor, there’s a real sense that you can push through the water easily.”
He added, “I’m really pleased with the product and happy to be using it for my ‘A race’ triathlon this June.”
Simon’s last test run of the Zoggs FX3 even made the local Bristol newspaper, the Bristol Post. He is pictured in the top right corner in a feature the paper ran on the surge in triathlon popularity, and how this has benefited a local lake in the north of Bristol. Although, Simon adds that the picture is the closest he’ll get to the Brownlee brothers in a triathlon photo!
Zoggs launched its new wetsuit range at the 220 Triathlon Show at Sandown Park in Surrey (27 February to 1 March 2015) and at The Swim Expo at Event City in Manchester (20-22 March 2015). The company is aiming to target entry level triathletes through to more experienced age groupers.
As private equity firm Risk Capital Partners recently acquired a majority stake in Zoggs, the company’s focus on triathlon specifically in the coming months will be interesting to watch. There are a significant number of wetsuit brands on offer in the UK market. Although, Zoggs has certainly built a strong following with triathletes through its swim goggles and accessories. By leveraging its distribution channels the new wetsuit range could certainly be making waves this year.
